If you’re like us, then you’re likely bummed that New York fashion week has come and gone; we yearn for long looks at the next season’s styles and staples (did you see Oscar de la Renta?!). But bridal fashionistas should not despair: there is another fashion parade just around the corner! Since its inception in 2010, New York International Bridal Week delights designers and consumers alike with a myriad of couture lines, all showcased under one roof, Pier 94. As many industry insiders count down the days until their bags are packed for the bridal bonanza, we wanted to fill our brides in on the allure of the week of October 13th to October 15th.
Renee Strauss with Kevin Lee; photo courtesy of Northlands.com
Let us first introduce you to Renee Strauss, a hallmark of the wedding industry for the past 30 years. This Chicago native has made quite the name for herself, giving a behind-the-scenes look at the search to find the perfect gown on her TLC show “Brides of Beverly Hills.” Thanks to her unwavering attention to detail, Renee serves as a Hollywood resource for film, television and commercial production (Perhaps you have seen her work on “The Bachelor” and Runaway Bride!). Be U Weddings sat down with the wedding guru for a sneak peek into New York International Bridal Week.
Photo courtesy of www.newyorkbridal.com
Q: What’s with all of the hoopla surrounding International Bridal Week?
A: “New York’s International Bridal Week is the energizing part of the business. My favorite part about going is communicating with retailers and designers, sharing information, and seeing what the designers have created for the following season.”
(Be U Weddings note: Strauss will hit up the International Bridal Week scene with fellow event and wedding planner Kevin Lee, the infamous inspiration for the over-the-top wedding planner “Franc” in Father of the Bride.)
Photo courtesy of Moshe Zusman Photography Studio
Q: Is there a particular designer you are looking forward to seeing?
A: “My favorite new designer is Sareh Nouri. Sareh designs with a flair for ultra femininity of a woman, yet understands the practical side of business.”
Q: What’s one component that you always see brides trying to incorporate into their big day?
A: “I see brides gravitating over and over again to sparkle in every way and everywhere possible, whether it be wardrobe or wedding décor.”
Q: What’s your take on wedding trends?
A: “Trends in bridal don’t always become the majority. They affect our industry in bits and pieces because tradition overall is deeply ingrained in our culture (think Princess Kate Middleton’s traditional look). But, the trends are dominant in the editorial coverage of both digital and print.”
Photo courtesy of Renee Strauss
Q: With so many high profile clients under your belt (Jessica Simpson, Heather Locklear, and Natalie Portman, just to name a few!), what planning advice can you offer a couple starting on the planning journey?
A: “I recommend developing a theme for any wedding. Something about the couple that expresses their sensibility and that they can be creative in incorporating throughout their event.”
Q: Tell us about a memorable wedding from your 2012 line-up. Why did it really stand out in your mind?
A: “My favorite 2012 wedding [from my roster of clients] was the wedding of two doctors. They insisted on being introduced as Mr. and Mrs. because they would never be formally addressed with these titles for the rest of their lives and wanted to celebrate their union on this day in this way. This wedding and couple stood out because they planned the entire event from a long distance, and the wedding day itself had their signatures all over it, yet they attended it as though a fairy godmother bestowed the day upon them.”
Consider this the tip of the iceberg of all things New York International Bridal Week, as Be U Weddings will be tweeting live from the events! Follow us @beuweddings to get our girl Rachel’s inside scoop. Have a new designer you’d like us to dig up info on? A trend you’d like to incorporate into your big day and want more details on? Leave your comments below and we’ll start our homework!
[...] It’s Almost Time for New York International Bridal Week! [...]